Rhythm & Soul

ASCAP songwriter and disco legend Donna Summer passed away on May 17, 2012. ASCAP remembers her essential dance floor hits as well as her impact and legacy on the world of music.

Award-winning ASCAP members Dave Berg and Alonzo "Zo" Lee performed songs they wrote with St. Louis students at the event, which benefited America SCORES St. Louis. ASCAP's Sue Devine was honored with the organization's Legacy Award.

ASCAP member Adam "MCA" Yauch, a founding member of legendary hip-hop trio The Beastie Boys and director of many of their most beloved music videos, has passed away. Yauch helped bring hip-hop to a worldwide audience, and his pioneering filmmaking was every bit as creative as his music.

The R&S department hosted its quarterly Writer and Producer Luncheon to facilitate connections between ASCAP writers at varying career stages. Check out our photos of Da Internz, The Monsters, Tiron and more as they network with fellow writers and the ASCAP staff.

ASCAP writer/violinist Ken Ford has created a niche in the jazz world with an unorthodox and alluring sound, and broken into urban music on collaborations with Jill Scott, Chaka Khan and more. We spoke with Ford about his new album State of Mind and the experience of forging his own path.

ASCAP member William McDowell's gospel anthem “I Give Myself Away” has set the tone for many a worship service over the last few years. Recently, McDowell took a moment to talk to us about the his Dove Award-nominated song, his motivational website, and how his business education impacted his music career.

ASCAP writer/producer Nate Walka hasn't had a moment's rest since co-writing Jamie Foxx's "Blame It" and Trey Songz's "Say Ahh." He's since collaborated with Jesse McCartney, Stargate, Far East Movement and more, and he's currently prepping a new mixtape. We caught up with Walka to discuss his past, present and future.

The new documentary Broke* uses the story of on-the-verge ASCAP member Will Gray as a path into a much wider conversation about how artists can thrive amidst the massive changes afoot in the music industry. In this candid interview, Will Gray tells us about putting the pieces of Broke* together.

ASCAP will once again bring together a diverse group of music creators and industry professionals, including The Smeezingtons (Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine), Gordon Chambers, Siedah Garrett and more, to participate in signature "I Create Music" interviews, master classes, hitmaker panels and intimate live performances.

Planet VI's "The American Dream" opens a new musical chapter for the Thomas brothers, Uptown and A.I., who stepped away from writing hits for others to create a striking and ultimately inspiring portrait of what it takes to get by today. It is inviting, edgy, tense, compelling, realistic and preachy - but definitely worth the listen.

Although he's a relative newcomer to the music industry, Brandon “Blue” Hamilton has already accomplished a lot in his career.

ASCAP's LA office and long-time member DJ Don Cannon welcome our newest ASCAP member, DJ Drama, the official DJ for hip-hop star T.I. and mixtape producer extraordinaire.

In honor of Valentine's Day, we asked the ASCAP writers behind love songs "I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time," "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life" and "We Danced" why they think listeners continue to fall in love to their music.

On February 11, 2012, the music industry lost one of its greatest and most powerful voices. We look back on the legacy of Whitney Houston, an ASCAP member and extraordinary force in music.

ASCAP hosted a star-studded Grammy Brunch, honoring the ASCAP members nominated for 2012 Grammys. Best Rap Song winner Malik Yusef Jones, nominees Kelly Price and Ledisi and R&B superstar Ne-Yo mixed and mingled with celebs and industry elite at the third annual soiree.

25 years after she co-wrote the immortal "Man in the Mirror," Grammy-winning ASCAP member Siedah Garrett is still at the top her game. Her music to Rio earned a 2012 Oscar nod, and she's set to release The Answer's Always Love, her first album in nine years. Here, Siedah shares some wisdom she picked up along the way.

ASCAP L.A. hosted a t-shirt signing event for Mama Luke, a movement that aims to spread awareness about breast cancer within the hip-hop community. The autographed t-shirt will be auctioned off, with all proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society.

Nine acts representing Nashville's fast-emerging hip-hop and electronic music scene, including Sam & Tre, Call It Dope and more, took the stage at 12th & Porter in front of a packed house.

Atlanta-based ASCAP member Trevante is all set to release his debut album, I Am Trevante, in March. This fresh-faced singer/songwriter took a break from working with Tank and El DeBarge to talk to us about his inspirations and ambitions.